1-1 is a base on which to build
75 comments August 20th, 2006
Well, a day on from our opening game and all the talk is about Theo Walcott, whose introduction helped produce a vital equaliser. Some fans have been quick to criticise the team for their performance, but in truth we were playing against a negative and difficult Aston Villa side with a team some way short of full fitness. A draw is an acceptable start.
The one concern would be our reluctance to shoot and insistence on trying to play through sides. Sometimes, when a team has 6 or 7 men behind the ball, you need an alternative approach. It is no coincidence that when the goal did come it was from a cross deep into the box.
As I say, we now have a platform upon which we can improve. Judging by Man City’s woeful showing today, we stand a good chance of beating them next Saturday. In between then and now we must finish qualifying for the Champions League by protecting our 3-0 lead over Zagreb. Theo to start?
Another way in which we need to build is in terms of our squad. With the news that Jose Reyes is set to stay, the departure of Ashley Cole moves ever closer. I have it on very good authority is that what is holding up the deal is Cole’s refusal to waive his loyalty bonus. Unbelievable. Arsene says:
“We have to sort this situation out quite quickly. The numbers are not so important for Chelsea. They just bought a player. We have not turned down an offer. The problem is not between us and Chelsea.”
The problem, in fact, is Cole, and his incredible greed. If he does go, rumours are resurfacing that William Gallas could come the other way after he was left out of their sixteen today.
Indeed, Jose Mourinho makes no mention of Gallas when assessing his defensive options:
“In a short squad and in a country where you can have only 16 players for a match, it’s important to have cover for many positions. So, for example, now I can have Boulahrouz, Ricardo and John  three options for the centre; I can have Paulo and Boulahrouz  two options for the right side; I can have Boulahrouz and Wayne Bridge  two options for the left side.”
Add in this from Sky Sports:
SSN interviewer: Is there way William Gallas will be involved in a deal for Ashley Cole?Mourinho: At this moment we cannot say that because at the moment the offer is just a financial offer.
And it’s all a bit strange, eh? It could be a very interesting week…
